1901/90 Rex vs. Wong Quen and Wong Yun – running a gambling house, Nanaimo
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
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Officer Thompson, sworn saith:- Am chief constable of this district. I know the accused, they reside at Chinatown in this district. Recollect the 19 day of October 1901. I was at the Kee Fung house to pull house for keeping a gambling place. Found the accused there and Mah Yee there also. I made a seizure of the pharafernalia produced marked "A". Found $5.30 Five dollars and thirty cents .Wong Yuen was sitting with a box in front hf him, in which was the sum of five dollars and thirty cents now produced. He also had in his hand papers produced marked "B" Arrested the same, My entrance to the premised was resisted by Wong Yuen. Raided the house for gambling and lottery. I swore to the information for lottery this day. Do not know of my own knowledge what the exhibits are for.
"John Thomson" Correct, James Abrams" J.P. S.M.
Ah Wing, sworn saith:- I know the last witness. I corroborate the previous witness as to his evidence as to the system the game is conducted. I know the prisoners. They keep a lottery. I was in the house in the day time of the night which the house was raided. I was there buying lottery ticket. Paid 25 cents for one lottery ticket to Wong Quen. I did not win, did not get a ticket but got the result of the drawing. Ticket produced marked Ex. G. Did not win because the draw did not correspond with the numbers I marked.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 89 File 1901/90 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General Documents.